Helicopter Crash: 2 Pilots, Oil Workers, Medical Doctor Still Missing

Two pilots and three others, including a medical doctor, were still missing following a crash by a helicopter into the Atlantic Ocean, near Finima Community in Bonny local government area of Rivers State on Thursday.

LEADERSHIP reports that three bodies had been recovered while search operations were ongoing as the helicopter, Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG, operated by East Wind Aviation, crashed into the high sea.

A source told LEADERSHIP that the helicopter, which took off from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt, was heading to Addax Field platform in the neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.

The source said the accident occurred between 11:30am and 12:00noon on Thursday, when the chopper, which was on crew change, was getting close to the platform.

He said: “The helicopter carried eight persons, including two pilots and five personnel when it crashed, killing all passengers on board.

“The incident occurred between 11am and 12noon today, Thursday, October 24. It left AF Base in Port Harcourt to Addax Field in Akwa Ibom and was close to the platform when it crashed into the deep sea.

“Three bodies have been rescued and are being conveyed by another helicopter to Port Harcourt, while the remaining five bodies are yet to be recovered as at this time.

“Those yet to be recovered include three workmen and the two pilots.”

Earlier in the day, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the accident in a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi, on Thursday afternoon.

The minister also noted that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations were ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

According to the minister, “the Federal Ministry of Aviation has received the distressing report of a helicopter accident that occurred Thursday, October 24, 2024, at about 11:22 am along the waterways in Port Harcourt. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en-route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig.

“The aircraft, with eight persons on board, ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been notified and emergency response teams were immediately activated, and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the support of the Nigerian Search and Rescue Unit, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other relevant agencies. Neighbouring aerodromes have also been notified for support.

“While no Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, manual efforts to plot the location of the accident are underway, and all available resources, including the military and low-flying aircraft, have been deployed to assist in locating and rescuing any survivor(s). So far, three bodies have been recovered.

“We are actively working with all relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated response and to minimize casualties from this unfortunate incident. Further information will be provided as details emerge.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board, and we are committed to providing the necessary support during this difficult time.”